Press release
Minister McConalogue issues reminder about food waste prevention and using food leftovers
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, today reminded consumers of the importance of food waste prevention.
Minister McConalogue said:
“Earlier this year the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched a new Food Waste Charter, calling on all businesses and State Agencies operating across the food supply chain to sign up and commit to reducing food waste.
"Globally, more than 25% of food produced is wasted. In Ireland according to current best estimates from the EPA, we waste about 750,000 tonnes of food each year.
"Food waste arises for several reasons, it can be that we buy or prepare too much food, our plans change, and leftovers go off in the fridge. At this time of year in particular, we should all consider the impact of food waste on both the environment and on our income.”
The government’s Climate Action Plan and Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy include food waste as a priority waste stream and articulate a 50% reduction, reflecting the EU Circular Economy Package and the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 which aims, by 2030, to halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains.
Minster McConalogue concluded:
“According to Stop Food Waste, 58% of people say keeping leftovers but not using them up in time is the main reason for throwing food away. 26 December is designated as National Leftover Day. The Stop Food Waste website has lots of tips for using up Christmas leftovers and I would encourage everyone to take a look and reduce their food waste in 2024.
"I wish everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas.”
Stop Food Waste is the national campaign to reduce household food waste in Ireland, managed by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Stop Food Waste run awareness-raising initiatives to share easy tips and resources on how we can make the most of our food, keep it fresher for longer and avoid food waste.
Food sector business can commit to food waste prevention by signing up to the EPA's Food Waste Charter.
The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, this week signed new legislation which means that every household in the State will be provided with a brown bin for food waste and light garden waste by their waste collector. This will help householders to segregate their waste, minimise the amount of waste that goes to landfill, and reuse waste through measures such as recycling, composting or anaerobic digestion, thereby making a positive contribution to our environment.
For further information on this please contact the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications Press Office press.office@decc.gov.ie